Public Land vs Private Land—Where to Hunt Turkeys in Virginia?

Public Lands in Virginia

Virginia has over 1.5 million acres of public land, managed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inheritance (VDGIF), the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. To hunt turkeys on public lands, obtain a free permit from the VDGIF’s public land turkey permit program, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The permit allows hunting on specific public lands during the spring season, typically from mid-April to late May. Some notable public lands for turkey hunting in Virginia include the George Washington National Forest, the Shenandoah National Park, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Mattaponi National Wildlife Refuge.

Private Lands in Virginia

Private lands can provide excellent turkey hunting opportunities, especially in rural areas with large tracts of agricultural fields and woodland edges. To hunt on private lands, obtain permission from the landowner, who may require a fee or other compensation. Research private landowners through local agricultural extension offices, hunting clubs, or online maps like the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Farm Service Agency map. When hunting on private lands, be respectful of the landowner’s property and regulations, and follow all local hunting laws.

Tips for Hunting Turkeys in the Mountain and Piedmont Regions

In the mountain and piedmont regions of Virginia, turkeys often inhabit areas with mature forests, agricultural fields, and woodland edges. To increase your chances of success, focus on areas with these habitats, and set up your hunting blind or stand near these transition zones. In the spring, turkeys in these regions often begin to move to higher elevations and congregate in areas with available food and water. Be prepared to hunt during early morning and late afternoon, when turkeys are most active, and use a turkey call to attract birds within shooting range.